It’s National Book Day…..

And in its honour, I’m going to mention the best health book I’ve read recently. Called Bumpology: the Myth Busting Pregnancy Book for Curious Parents To Be, it’s – not hugely surprisingly – aimed at those who are expecting. (Someone please revive my mother and explain there’s nothing I need to tell her). I had to read it for a piece I was working on recently and there’s some fascinating stuff in it – even for those of us who aren’t up the duff, I mean, expecting a little bundle of joy.

The fact that’s it is fascinating is not really surprising when you find out it’s written by Linda Geddes, a journalist who works for New Scientist – and was inspired by the questions she had in her own pregnancy. As such it’s not a touchy feely, What To Expect When You’re Expecting type of book, it references lots of science and studies – but if you want a lot of your questions answered with a mix of practical advice and quirky facts this is the book for you. For example, did you know that…..

Babies of mums who have really severe morning sickness are more keen on the taste of salt. Theory is that throwing up makes women dehydrated – and this makes the amniotic fluid more salty so your baby gets a taste for it.

Gut feelings are probably the best way to predict whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Of 75 percent of women who had a strong feeling about their baby’s gender, 60 percent of them were correct.

That the calculation that determines your due date has been around for nearly 200 years – and that when it’s compared to the ultrasounds most hospitals now use to determine how far along you are it’s usually three days too early. And first time mums go an average of eight days over it anyway.

I admit, one section that is controversial is Geddes’ take on alcohol in pregnancy as she presents evidence that doesn’t totally conform to current policy. I’m not getting into that argument here. After all, she’s just presenting what she’s found in her research and you do have a choice as to how you act on any of the advice in this, or any other, book. Overall it really is a fascinating read.You’ll find it here at amazon Bumpology: The myth-busting pregnancy book for curious parents-to-be

Want more good health book recommendations? Some others I suggest you check out include…

My name is Helen. And what makes me happy is discovering the newest, strangest or most fun products, studies and ideas in the worlds of diet, fitness and health. I do this all day every day - and some of them make me go 'oooh' ...
* Oooh - I just learned something
* Oooh - that's bonkers
* Oooh - that's fun/innovative/fantastic.
Those are the things you'll find on this blog.